Man Utd holds talks over signing midfielder whose price has doubled, but Liverpool, Chelsea labelled ‘ones to watch’
Man Utd have held internal discussions over signing a Premier League midfielder whose valuation has doubled over the last three months, though Liverpool and Chelsea will be a factor in any transfer battle, per a trusted source.
Sunday’s 7-0 thumping at the hands of Liverpool provided a timely reminder Man Utd are far from the finished article as yet.
The Red Devils struggled in every area of the pitch, though perhaps none were as pivotal as losing the midfield battle.
Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have formed a fine partnership this term. However, both players are the wrong side of 30 and neither are likely to be long-term options. Eriksen’s ankle injury has given Fred a chance to shine of late, though he was found wanting when it mattered most.
Casemiro also struggled and endured his worst game in a Man Utd shirt at Anfield. When the Brazilian doesn’t perform, neither do Man Utd.
A reignited move for Frenkie de Jong has been touted amid an apparent thawing in the Dutchman’s desire to remain in Barcelona.
However, according to CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs, a midfielder from within the Premier League could be the long-term answer for Erik ten Hag.
Jacobs reported Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister has been internally discussed at Old Trafford. That same step has reportedly been taken over at Man City too.
The Argentine, 24, has risen to the fore this season and played a major part in his country’s World Cup success in Qatar. Mac Allister did not start the competition in Argentina’s strongest eleven, though certainly finished in it.
Mac Allister price tag doubles
Writing in his column for Caught Offside, Jacobs claimed those with the inside track have quoted a price tag of around £60m for Mac Allister.
That is roughly double the price range he was previously believed to be in prior to the World Cup. Shining on the biggest stage of all obviously has its benefits.
Aside form the two Manchester clubs, Jacobs also stressed Liverpool and Chelsea are “ones to watch” in the event Brighton greenlight a summer sale.
“A slightly cheaper option from Brighton could be Mac Allister,” wrote Jacobs. “Manchester City and Manchester United have discussed him internally, but nothing more than that at this point.
“Liverpool and Chelsea are ones to watch as well. Mac Allister is contracted until 2025 with an option to extend by one year. And off the back of him winning the World Cup with Argentina we are seeing some pretty high figures flying around.
“Although Brighton don’t directly offer quotes to suitors for players they don’t plan to sell, insiders suggest £60m+ is what the Seagulls may expect.
“That’s quite a lot more than the numbers suitors have him valued at dating back to both January and before the World Cup, with valuations ranging from £27m-35m. I think that type of bid now would get laughed out the room.
“But as the World Cup hype wears off, and his contract runs down slightly, let’s see how Brighton react to incoming bids.
“Mac Allister, at this point I am told, will assess his options come summer. Although he speaks glowingly about the Premier League, he is not against going to another European league. His priority is playing Champions League football regularly.”
